Surgical treatment of idiopathic pes planovalgus in paediatric patients

Abstract

Idiopathic pes planus is common and usually physiologic. Decompensation, when it occurs, may be obvious or on the contrary difficult to identify, raising challenges in patient selection for surgical treatment. The physical examination of a child with pes planus must include an evaluation in the supine position, which helps to adjust the amount of correction during surgery. The many reported surgical procedures include repositioning (talus-reseating, subtalar implants and calcaneo-stop screw), osteotomies and joint fusions. The primary treatment goal is to achieve full architectural correction of the deformity. Selection of the procedure depends on patient age and reducibility of the deformity. The joint lines should be preserved whenever possible. Triceps surae contracture should be sought and corrected if found.

Keywords: Arthrodesis; Osteotomy; Pediatric patients; Pes planovalgus; Surgical technique.